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High-Glycemic Foods May Cause Lung Cancer

It is well-established that smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. In a recent comprehensive research study conducted, MD Anderson found a link between carbs and lung cancer. The research shows that high-glycemic foods on the Glycemic Index (GI), contribute to an increased risk of developing lung cancer even in non-smokers. The researchers observed a 49 percent increased risk of lung cancer among individuals consuming a high daily GI. Carbohydrates, like white bread, bagels & rice, elevate blood sugar levels, which stimulate perturbations in the Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs).

Risk of High-Glycemic Foods

High-glycemic foods (refined or white carbs) shoot up blood sugar levels and increase the amount of insulin in your body. A high glycemic index diet may be a major risk factor for developing lung cancer, as well as breast, prostate, and colon. When there is a high level of insulin, some cells, like fat cells, decide to store energy and causes obesity. Other cells, like lung cells, breast cells, and prostate cells, take it as a signal to grow. Raised insulin levels create a favorable environment for cancer to grow.

Glycemic Index: Types of Food and Carbs

Glycemic index is a number that differentiates slower-acting “good carbs” from the faster-acting “bad carbs.” Choosing a low-glycemic diet is essential for good health. They are packed with fiber & protein and cause a slow & steady digestion, which won’t leave you hungry. Here is a list of high and low-glycemic foods, so you can know which foods to avoid, and which to favor.

Low-Glycemic Foods vs High-Glycemic Foods

You can have as much as you want from the low-glycemic vegetables (see the list below); actually, it helps you lose weight. High-glycemic carbohydrates like refined sugars are easier for the body to change into glucose than more slowly digested low-glycemic carbs like those in vegetables.

Vegetables Can Help You Lose Weight

So when you swap sugars with low GI vegetables, the body burns whatever energy is stored in the liver (glycogen) and then starts burning the fat stored on your hip, thigh, waist, arms, face, etc.

Stay Away From High-Glycemic Foods

Lung cancer kills more people in the United States than any other cancer, at about 150,000 people per year. We understand the link lung cancer has with unhealthy diets, obesity, and exercise. Now we dig deeper and realize that eating processed, high-glycemic foods, like white bread, bagels, and refined sugar, associate to a greater risk of developing lung cancer. It is so important to stay healthy and have positive eating habits. Low-glycemic foods are slower-acting, good carbs that include fruit, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Remember, you don’t have to smoke cigarettes to get lung cancer. Stay healthy and stay away from high-glycemic foods.